Alex Caruso will continue to be physical despite recent foul trouble against Timberwolves

Reaching for a steal on Mike Conley, Alex Caruso was called for another ticky-tack foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After being talked about on social media as somebody who gets away with fouls, it looks like NBA referees have gotten the unproven memo.

Caruso has struggled with foul trouble against the Timberwolves. He fouled out in Game 2 and picked up two quick fouls in 10 minutes before he sat out most of the second half as the Oklahoma City Thunder stomached a 143-101 Game 3 loss.

Nothing's changed from Caruso's side. He continues to hound down the opposition's best scorer. He matched up well against Nikola Jokic in their Round 2 series win. A round earlier, he did the same against Jaren Jackson Jr. Both assignments had serious size disadvantages, but it didn't matter.

Since then, Caruso has been called for regular-season fouls. An odd change in the Western Conference Finals. Despite being visibly upset on the broadcast about the calls, the 31-year-old took the high road when asked about the physicality he's been able to get away with.

"I don’t know. That’s kinda a subjective question. For me, I try to go out there and play the same way every night," Caruso said. "Whether the refs call it or not, that’s kinda up to them.”

The Thunder have honed the NBA's best defense because of their ability to create turnovers. The steal-and-score sequence has been spammed to oblivion all year. It's led to their signature avalanche runs that turn a close game into a blowout in the blink of an eye.

If Caruso can't be more physical with the Timberwolves, that could change the dimensions of this playoff series. It'll take away OKC's biggest strength. The Thunder hope that the referees' over-correction eventually returns to normal by Game 4.

Alex Caruso on the physicality being allowed against the Timberwolves: “I don’t know. That’s kinda a subjective question. For me, I try to go out there and play the same way every night. Whether the refs call it or not, that’s kinda up to them.” pic.twitter.com/zC9OCjPIQX— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 25, 2025

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Alex Caruso will be physical despite foul trouble against Timberwolves